Introduction

Stearic acid is synthesized through catalytic hydrogenation of imported palm oil, followed by high-pressure hydrolysis, fatty acid dehydrogenation, and vacuum distillation. High-pressure hydrolysis is a catalyst-free process with a cycle time of approximately five hours, achieving a conversion rate of 98–99% under continuous production. The resulting stearic acid exhibits excellent color, high purity, and minimal impurities. In a parallel process, a decomposition agent is introduced into hardened oil, which is subsequently hydrolyzed to yield crude fatty acid. This intermediate is then subjected to washing, distillation, and decolorization to produce the final stearic acid product, with glycerol generated as a by-product.

Properties and Application Areas

Plastics Industry:

(1) Heat Stabilizer – employed in the production of stearates.

(2) Lubricant – functions as an effective external lubricant.

(3) Release Agent – capable of forming a thin, highly efficient isolation film on the surface of plastic products.

Rubber Industry:

(1) Vulcanization Activator – enhances vulcanization efficiency by accelerating the vulcanization rate, reducing the required vulcanization time and temperature, and improving the physical and mechanical properties of rubber.

(2) Softener – effectively mitigates roller adhesion during mixing, facilitates the dispersion of carbon black, and enhances abrasion resistance. This additive finds application in candle manufacturing, textile finishing, papermaking, stationery production, calcium carbonate processing, and as a brightening agent.